Weiss an Inspiration

Weiss an Inspiration

Dear Editor:

This note of remembrance is written about one of the most wonderful individuals I have ever known, Rabbi Joe Weiss. I formerly lived in Belle Harbor on the same block as Rabbi Weiss—Beach 139th Street. I now live in Great Neck with my wife, Helen, but my ties are still in the Rockaways at either work or play.

Many times during the numerous years that I have known Rabbi Weiss, I have always thought only wonderful, comforting thoughts about the truly inspirational man that he was. Whether he was giving a sermon at the altar, out riding his bicycle, or walking on the beach he was always the same exciting, exuberant, knowledgeable man in every capacity.

Rabbi Weiss was a member of the Rockaway Rotary for many, many years. It was only in the last two years when I became a fellow Rotarian that I looked forward to lunch on Wednesdays at the Rockaway Rotary Club with "Rabbi Joe" as the members called him.

At his funeral service on Sunday, March 25, 2001 at the West End Temple, the whole community numbering in the hundreds turned out to offer their last blessings for Rabbi Weiss. The eulogies offered by some members of the congregation and community had everyone spellbound and the readings certainly summed up his life in a most wonderful fashion.

Helen and I, the congregation and community will truly miss this wonderful "supreme power." May Rabbi Weiss rest in peace.